Birmingham 1 Sheffield United 0

Phillips needed just one half-chance as his knack of scoring on his debut at all but one of his five other professional clubs - his previous club West Bromwich are the only exception - handed Birmingham victory.

The striker, 35, was holding out for a two-year deal from Tony Mowbray after his contract expired but Albion did not meet his requirements.

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Blue beauty: Kevin Phillips celebrates yet another debut goal

After Phillips' goal in the third minute of injury time won the game, McLeish said: 'Whenever Kevin gets the ball at his feet in the penalty area he gives opposition managers palpitations. I'm delighted that I'm the only manager in the Championship who won't experience that feeling this season.'

Phillips said: 'I believe I'm coming to a team that's going to be challenging, and that's exciting.'

United defender Matthew Kilgallon was aware of the danger when Phillips came on as a substitute but could not stop him scoring.

'I said to Chris Morgan we had better keep an eye on him,' said Kilgallon. 'I don't know whether he hit the ball properly but they have mugged us at the end.'